RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
Advancing Academic Research & Collaboration
We engage leading academics globally to develop, exchange and publish research that addresses real-world challenges and industry innovation priorities.
How we do it
Short Papers Platform
A global open call for academic research, with selected papers presented at our international summit.
Engagement Programme
Year-round programming connecting professors and industry through workshops, meetings, and networking to align research with industry priorities and accelerate practical solutions.
Awards and Grants
Each year, our awards celebrate professors' research that demonstrates exceptional potential for real-world impact.
Short Papers Platform
The Short Papers Platform brings together professors from around the world to share original research with real-world application. Launched in 2025, it engages international academic across all disciplines through an open call anchored by themes relevant to society, businesses, and governments. Following a rigorous and independent peer review process, the best short papers are selected and featured at an international conference and a formal publication of proceedings.
For the 2026 edition, Prototypes for Humanity has partnered with the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) to support research addressing complex challenges across seven strategic themes, reflecting the long-term development priorities and areas of strategic relevance to ICD and Dubai. Selected papers will be presented as part of the annual Prototypes for Humanity programme, before being published internationally.
Research Partnerships and Industry Engagement
We connect organisations with world-leading academics, creating collaborations that translate research into real-world value. We work closely with industry to understand key challenges, identify the matching experts and unlock commercial opportunities for our global community. Throughout the year, we curate the right environments bringing together professors and leaders from private and public sector, and support structured partnerships.
Awards and Grants
Each year, we formally celebrate university innovation that demonstrates outstanding academic rigour and exceptional potential for real-world impact. Alongside our yearly $100,000 prize for leading graduate projects, since 2025 award professors' best original work across our conference themes. In 2026, our first $50,000 grant will be presented in collaboration with industry, to enable a selected professor to develop research towards a market-aligned application.
Publications
Prototypes for Humanity publishes research exploring solutions to global challenges with the potential for real-world impact. Each year, the Conference Proceedings bring together selected papers from the Short Papers Platform, creating an academic record that extends their reach beyond the annual Summit to researchers, industry leaders, practitioners and policymakers worldwide.
